It also happens to feature what might be UT’s best overall unit. Few programs in the country can match the talent and potential of the Longhorns’ front four, which is loaded with players with the proven ability to both rush the passer and stuff the run. Here’s an overview:

The most familiar name in the group is senior defensive end Cedric Reed, who racked up 10 sacks and 19 tackles for loss as a first-team All-Big 12 pick last season. With Jackson Jeffcoat in the NFL, he’ll now have to grapple with opposing schemes designed to slow him down, but he’s capable of doing similar damage even against better blockers.

The Longhorns are just as excited about their two starting tackles, senior Desmond “Tank” Jackson and juniorMalcom Brown. Jackson is the strongest man on the team, a reliable run-stopper and a savvy player who knows how to neutralize opposing linemen. Brown, meanwhile, is a first-round draft pick in the making. If he lives up to expectations, he could wind up inviting comparisons to the likes of Casey Hampton and Shaun Rogers.

Junior end Shiro Davis is the only newcomer to the starting lineup, but he has significant experience as a backup and a pedigree as an elite recruit out of Louisiana. He also has competition. UT coaches love what they’ve seen from sophomores Caleb Bluiett and Bryce Cottrell, and both should see plenty of snaps at end. Freshman Derick Roberson might be a viable option by the end of the season as well.

At tackle, top backup Hassan Ridgeway has earned the nicknames “Green Mile” (from coach Charlie Strong) and “Freak” (from Rumph). Rumph said the sophomore “just needs to get it together up top.” The Longhorns don’t have an obvious leader for the fourth tackle spot, but sophomores Alex Norman and Paul Boyette will get opportunities, and Poona Ford should get a look as a freshman.